Vernon man denied bail

A judge in Vernon denied bail for a man charged with a number of offences, including the alleged assaults of sex workers.

37-year-old Curtis Sagmoen appeared in provincial court Wednesday, where he was ordered to remain in custody.

He faces nine charges, including three counts of assault, for alleged incidents that occurred between July and the end of August last year.

Sagmoen pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault.

Police say the alleged victims worked as escorts in the North Okanagan and advertised their services online.

Days after the first charges were laid last fall, RCMP searched a farm near Salmon Arm and found the remains of missing 18-year-old Traci Generaux, but no charges have been laid in connection with that discovery.

Dozens of protestors had gathered outside the courthouse Wednesday to raise awareness of violence against women.